xzy212

Hello my 1995 lexus sc400 is making a loud metal grinding noise on ignition but stops once its running. I took it to a mechanic and he said it sounded like the flywheel not the starter and told me to take it to a transmission mechanic. I did and the transmission mechanic checked under the hood and listened and told me it sounded like the starter was bad.. please if anyone has any experience with this noise it would help a lot to hear your opinion. Excuse my grammar please.

tritron

Just remove starter or have mechanic remove starter to see for sure. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...c300-pics.html

Ramblerman

Your starter on your 400sc is located under the intake in the valley between the heads. Requires some work to get to and a plenum/intake gasket set also besides a starter. Sounds like the bendix gear on the stater has gone bad, so while your in there check the teeth on the flex plate also for damage. If flex plate is damaged you will have to pull tranny to replace it. If your not mechanically inclined or have a place to work on it I suggest you take it to a good shop to get it fixed.